What was the youngest age you could have retired and received a pension from your last employer if you hadn't become disabled?

[PapaLima62]

I was an Air Traffic Controller and retired on disability this year at age 59.  The mandatory retirement age for air traffic controllers is normally 56, but I had an age waiver allowing me to work until I completed 20 years of DoD service.  With the age waiver, I would have retired in June 2023 at age 60 years and 11 months.  What should I enter for my 1099-R question?  56, 60 or 61?

[Vanessa A]

If you could have retired at 56 and received your pension then 56 would be the answer. 

[PapaLima62]

I wasn't normal.  I was hired at age 40, with an age waiver allowing me to work exactly 20 years to age 60.  At age 56 I had only completed 16 years and did not qualify for a retirement, hence the age waiver.  So I guess my answer would be 60 or 61, depending on if I round up a month.

[Vanessa A]

Yes, if you would not be eligible for retirement benefits until age 60 then you would enter 60. You should be able to enter 60 years 11 months.